Fabric shades, curtains, and drapes add style and comfort to any home, but they’re also magnets for dust and dirt. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking beautiful but also extends their lifespan. Some fabrics require minimal upkeep, while delicate or lined draperies may need extra care—or even professional cleaning.

This guide breaks down how to clean every type of fabric window treatment, so your shades and drapes stay fresh and vibrant for years to come.

General Tips for Cleaning Fabric Window Treatments

Before diving into the specifics, follow these general care tips:

• Dust or vacuum both sides regularly using a brush or upholstery attachment.
• Focus on pleats, folds, and valances where dust collects.
• Spot clean stains immediately with a mild detergent and a soft, damp cloth.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or strong stain removers that can fade fabrics or weaken fibers.
• Inspect after cleaning for loose stitching, drooping hems, or broken cords.

How to Clean Pleated Shades

1. Remove the shade and lay it flat on a clean surface.
2. Gently vacuum following the direction of the pleats.
3. Spot clean fingerprints or smudges with foam upholstery cleaner (like Woolite®).
4. Use a damp sponge to blot gently, then dry with a clean cloth.
5. Avoid frequent deep cleaning, which can reduce pleat fullness.

How to Clean Cellular or Honeycomb Shades

• Lightly dust with a feather duster or vacuum with a brush attachment.
• Blow dust out of the cells with a hair dryer set to cool.
• Spot clean with mild detergent and warm water, then blot dry.
• Avoid dry cleaning or ultrasonic cleaning, which can damage the structure.

How to Clean Roman Shades

Washable Roman Shades

• Dust or vacuum to remove loose dirt.
• Remove dowels before washing; hang dry to prevent shrinkage.
• Steam or press to remove wrinkles before rehanging.

Non-Washable Roman Shades

• Dry clean silk, wool, linen, or fiberglass blends only when necessary.
• Inform the dry cleaner if you’ve used spot treatments.

How to Clean Soft Horizontal Blinds

• Vacuum with a brush attachment occasionally.
• Spot clean with mild detergent and warm water using a soft cloth.
• Avoid dry cleaning.

How to Clean Fabric Vertical Blinds

• Dust or vacuum regularly from top to bottom.
• For stains, remove vanes, lay them flat, and clean with mild detergent; blot dry.
• Sheer vertical blinds can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, line dried, and lightly pressed.

How to Clean Woven Wood, Bamboo, and Natural Shades

• Never immerse in water.
• Dust lightly or vacuum side-to-side with a brush attachment.
• If needed, wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth—never soak.

How to Clean Solar Shades

• Vacuum both sides using an upholstery attachment.
• Gently clean with mild detergent and warm water, rinse, and let dry completely before rolling up.

How to Clean Roller Shades

• Dust regularly with a feather duster or vacuum with a soft brush.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth; do not soak.

Best Way to Clean Drapes, Curtains, and Valances

• Vacuum carefully, paying extra attention to pleats and folds where dust settles.
• For washable fabrics, follow manufacturer care instructions—gentle cycle, cool water, and hang dry.
• Iron while slightly damp for best results.
• Shake out curtains outdoors for quick dust removal.
• For delicate, lined, or specialty fabrics, consult professional window treatment cleaners.

Keep Your Window Treatments Looking Beautiful

Routine cleaning is the key to keeping your fabric shades, drapes, and curtains looking as good as the day they were installed. If you’re shopping for new window treatments, consider how easy they are to maintain—especially if you have kids, pets, or allergy concerns.